Birmingham International Airport’s director of business development Peter Vella has attacked the practice of operators charging up to £50 in flight supplements.
He claimed the extra cost on holidays flying from regional airports was impeding growth.
Vella said: “Supplements are hampering our ability to compete in the regions.”
He said Birmingham averaged an extra £15 from operators but claimed airports like Glasgow may suffer up to £50.
Airtours sales and marketing development director Ed Sims said operators have to use Gatwick as a benchmark for air fares and alter flights to regional airports according to increased costs. Operators claim they are scrapping supplements and including all costs in one holiday price. However, an industry expert said this was just a way of hiding extra costs.
n Birmingham International Airport special report, seepage 28